Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

The Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department offers a variety of programs in earth science, geomatics, environmental science and environmental studies and sustainability, along with a certificate program in geographic information systems (GIS). The department is committed to excellence in teaching and preparing students for professional careers in education, governmental service, the private sector and graduate study.

Geographical science is an integrative discipline. Students, whether interested in its human or physical aspects, must have a basic understanding of the scope of the discipline and its methodologies. The department’s core curriculum consists of courses in human and physical geography, methods courses and a capstone course that integrates the human and physical aspects of the environment.

Earth, environmental and geographical sciences majors have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships with local governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector.

Environmental Science at NMUThis major provides students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of how the physical, biological and social sciences interact with each other. The major is designed to prepare students for graduate study or a variety of professions dealing with both natural and human-made environments. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental field, it is important for students to be proficient in a range of technical skills such as ecological assessment, chemical analysis and geographic information systems. Students should also be familiar with a broad array of environmental policies and regulations, and develop effective communication skills.

Student Organizations

EEGS Garden Club

Environmental Science Organization

Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society

Student Michigan Education Association

Students 4 Sustanability

Rock and Mineral Club

Department Facility

GIS and Remote Sensing Lab

Lake Superior Research Boat

Longyear Forest

Native Plants Study Area

Department/Program Policies

As a requirement for graduation, all non-teaching earth, environmental and geographical sciences department majors must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 for all courses constituting the major curriculum. Exceptions must be requested via petition to the department's appeal committee.

Students majoring in programs in the department must also:

Successfully complete EN 211 before taking 300-level courses or above in the major;

Satisfy the prerequisites for each major course enrolled in as described in this bulletin.

Note:Petition for exception to any of the program policies must be made in writing and submitted to the department. The petition must include reasons why an exception should be made and provide documentation of those reasons, if applicable.

Secondary Education Earth Science and Geography
Students with a major or minor in secondary education earth science or geography must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or greater with no grade below a “B-” in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minors and required cognates combined.

Courses within each major that can be used to satisfy liberal studies requirements are listed with the Roman numeral (in brackets) that coincides with the liberal studies division the course falls under.

Courses within each minor that can be used to satisfy liberal studies requirements are listed with the Roman numeral (in brackets) that coincides with the liberal studies division the course falls under.